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Interview Tips

Our goal is to make that process as easy as possible for you, and to create a work environment that's satisfying.

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You've managed to score that job interview congratulations! You now need to be well prepared, and we’ve got you covered.

We'll be providing an overview of how to successfully crack that interview, together with a detailed discussion surrounding each point.

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How to Make that First Impression

What to do Before, During and After the Job Interview

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Before

Think about how the combination of your work experience, personal qualities, and academic or co-curricular activities make you uniquely qualified for the position.

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During

It is important to have a purpose in mind and communicate that to the employer. You will need to be able to show that you can support the company’s needs.

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After

Sending a Thank You note within 24 hours of the interview or calling the interviewer or human resources representative to inquire about the position and the new hiring timeline is part of good after interview practices.

Before the Interview

  • Research the company and industry

Find out as much as you can about the position, company, and industry. Learn about current trends and events that might impact your future employer. Review the organization’s website and social media activity. Try to speak to people in the organization through LinkedIn, peers, faculty, or family to gain insider knowledge. Make sure that you re-read the job description and can communicate why you would be a good fit for the position.

  • Identify your Goals and Skills, Why do You Want this Job?

It is important to have a purpose in mind and communicate that to the employer. You will need to be able to show that you can support the company’s needs.

Think about how the combination of your work experience, personal qualities, and academic or co-curricular activities make you uniquely qualified for the position. Describe the skills in your resume with examples using the SARA method (Situation, Action, Result, Application). Identify transferable skills and make the connection between your experience and the position requirements.

  • Practice your Interviewing Skills

Many people practice for an interview by writing down answers to common interview questions. While organizing your thoughts on paper is helpful, the best practice is done verbally, alone, with a friend or career counselor. Scheduling a mock interview is another way to get feedback on your interview style, presentation, and body language.

  • Go through the Job Description Again

ou may want to print it out and begin underlining specific skills the employer is looking for. Think about examples from your past and current work that align with these requirements.

  • Prepare Smart Questions for your Interviewers

Interviews are a two-way street. Employers expect you to ask questions: they want to know that you’re thinking seriously about what it would be like to work there.

Here are some questions you may want to consider asking your interviewers:

  • What are the challenges you’re currently facing in your role?
  • What does that process look like?
  • How do these departments typically collaborate?
  • What departments does this teamwork with regularly?
  • If I were in this position, how would my performance be measured? How often?
  • During the Interview

    • Do not Speak Negatively about your Previous Employers

    Companies want to hire problem solvers who overcome tough situations. If you’re feeling discouraged about your current job, focus on talking about what you’ve gained from that experience and what you want to do next.

    • Tie your Answers back to your Skills and Accomplishments

    Companies want to hire problem solvers who overcome tough situations. If you’re feeling discouraged about your current job, focus on talking about what you’ve gained from that experience and what you want to do next.

    • Respond Truthfully to the Questions Asked

    While it can seem tempting to embellish on your skills and accomplishments, interviewers find honesty refreshing and respectable. Focus on your key strengths and why your background makes you uniquely qualified for the position.

    • Win them over with your Authenticity and Positivity

    Being genuine during interview conversations can help employers easily relate to you. Showing positivity with a smile and upbeat body language can help keep the interview light and constructive.

    • Treat Everyone you Encounter with Respect

    Being genuine during interview conversations can help employers easily relate to you. Showing positivity with a smile and upbeat body language can help keep the interview light and constructive.

    After the Interview

    • Ask about the Proceeding Steps

    After your interview, it is appropriate to ask either your interviewer, hiring manager or recruiter about what you should expect next. This will likely be a follow-up email with results from your interview, additional requirements like an assignment or reference list or another interview.

    • Send a Thank You note within 24 hours of the Interview

    Ask for the business card of each person you speak with during the interview process so that you can follow up individually with a separate thank you email. If you interviewed in the morning, send your follow-up emails the same day. If you interviewed in the afternoon, the next morning is fine. Make certain that each email is distinct from the others, using the notes you took during the conversations.

    • Evaluate your Performance

    Did you find any Questions challenging? Now is the time to improve your answers for the next interview. Ask for the business card of each person you speak with during the interview process so that you can follow up individually with a separate thank you email. If you interviewed in the morning, send your follow-up emails the same day. If you interviewed in the afternoon, the next morning is fine. Make certain that each email is distinct from the others, using the notes you took during the conversations.